by Marie James
“I’m normally on the giving end of this kind of thing.”
She frowns, lifting her hand and brushing a tender finger over my brow. “I hate seeing you like this. I feel helpless.”
“I’ll be fine.” Tilting my head to the side, I allow her small hand to cradle my face. “Just like I told you in the basement, if this is what it took to keep you, every blow was worth it.”
“It shouldn’t—”
“It’s over,” I interrupt. “Things can go back to normal.”
“We don’t have to worry about normal.” Molly reaches for the body wash. “We’re leaving tonight.”
“Baby.” I catch her hand before she’s able to apply soap to my bruised chest. “This is home, and we aren’t going anywhere.”
“We can’t stay after what they did to you.”
“We’ll stay because of what they did to me,” I qualify, but she only frowns at me in return. “They won’t touch me again. What they did, what I suffered is what earned me the right to you.”
“I’m not a possession.”
My eyebrow shoots up, and I ignore the pain it manifests. I hate having such an important conversation when I can only see a little of her due to my injuries.
“You’re mine.” My heavy arm lifts, stroking the side of her face and down the delicate column of her neck. “Mine to love and kiss and cherish.”
Tears crest her bottom lashes, joining the drops of water dotting her concerned face.
“They had to make sure I was enough for you.”
My throat clogs with emotion, and I’m unable to do anything but watch her face for a long moment.
“You’re enough,” she whispers. “I’ve known that forever.”
“And now they know it, too.”
I brush my lips against hers.
“I don’t know if I’m worth all the pain you’re going through,” she mumbles as her hands begin to lather the body wash over my pecs and stomach. “You, Lynch, and TJ all have me on this imaginary pedestal. I don’t deserve to be up there. Hell, I don’t even want to be up there.”
“You’re the most important person in my life.”
“Let Lynch hear you say that, and you won’t make it out of the basement a second time. The club comes first. Always has, and always will, according to him.”
“He knows. He never would’ve left me alive if he even doubted for a second that I wouldn’t put you ahead of every single person, every single thing, including the club.” She shakes her head, beginning to reject my words. “Seriously, Molly, everyone who doesn’t believe he’s exactly the same way when it comes to Zoe is a damn fool. He’d burn the world down for her. Just like I will for you.”
“I love you,” she whispers, her words getting caught on the emotion showing all over her beautiful face.
“And I love you.” She nods, her tears renewed as she finally accepts everything I’ve told her since I woke up.
“So we stay?”
“We stay.”
“And my brothers are happy for us?”
My quick laugh turns into a groan when my ribs scream in renewed pain. “They’ve accepted that we’re going to be together, but I wouldn’t expect a party or anything. Displays of affection should probably be kept behind closed doors for now.”
“Chains warned me that things are bad for the club because they didn’t kill you.”
“I imagine there will be some fallout, but there isn’t one guy in the club that’s going to stand and get an attitude with Lynch or TJ because they weren’t allowed to touch you.” My blood runs cold with the mere thought that someone even imagined themselves with her. “He’ll have to address it with everyone though.”
“I just want to stay in here forever.” Her hands run further down my body, but they don’t reach for my cock. We have plenty of time for that in the future now that we know we actually have one. “I don’t want to face them. I hate them for doing this to you.”
“One.” I clasp her hand just in case she thinks of reaching for my dick and press a kiss against her palm. “We can’t stay in here forever. Eventually, we’ll run out of hot water. Two, this isn’t a Lifetime movie, and any expectation of thinking we were going to sit down with glasses of whiskey and discuss this in any way other than like barbarians without the ability of speech was an error in judgment on your part. You should know better. Three, it’s over. So long as I treat you the way you deserve and keep you safe, we don’t have a damn thing to worry about. Now, let’s concentrate more on washing and less on talking because I’m tired as fuck. I want to crawl back into bed and wrap myself around you without having to worry about getting caught.”
Chapter 37
Molly
“I’m not interested.” Like a spoiled brat, I cross my arms over my chest and refuse to budge.
“He expects us there.” Briar holds his hand out, but I ignore it.
“It’s a trap.” I’m certain of it. There’s no other reason Lynch is summoning us along with every other member in the club. This was a regular occurrence when my dad was still alive. He’d get us all in one room, and then issue his form of justice on those that betrayed the club.
“It’s not a trap.”
Looking up, I find Briar smiling down at me. He’s almost back to normal, able to see out of both eyes now, but the now yellowed bruises on his handsome face are an everyday reminder of what my brothers are capable of.
“How do you know?” He winks his assurance, but it’s not enough. “Have you been talking to them?”
“It’s business as usual, babe. You’re the only one that’s been holding a grudge and hiding out in the room for the last week.”
“I can’t face them,” I mutter. “I hate them.”
“Everything they did was because they love you.”
He’s a broken fucking record, and it makes me want to jab him in his still-sore ribs to remind him why my feelings toward my brothers haven’t changed since he was carried out of the basement.
“How about a trade?”
His head is shaking back and forth as he steps back. “No.”
“You don’t even know what I was going to ask.”
“Yes, I do.”
“You don’t,” I argue.
“I’m not fucking you in exchange for you going out there with me.”
My wicked smile disappears immediately. Maybe he does know me well.
“Really? You got your ass kicked so you can sleep with me.” I hold my arms open wide. “Here I am. Claim your prize.”
“I got my ass kicked because I went behind your brothers’ backs.”
“I want sex.” Sticking my lower lip out, I pout, even though I know it won’t help.
“Keep sticking that lip out,” he threatens, “and I’ll put it to work.”
My pulse quickens with the delicious threat. Our mouths are something he hasn’t banned in this room. He won’t sleep with me, claiming that he wants to date me like a normal couple-his words, not mine-before we take that step.
“Okay.” I nod enthusiastically as I grab the bottom hem of my shirt and begin to tug it over my head.
His huge hand comes down on mine before I can pull it all the way off. “You test my resolve most days.”
Once he’s pushed my shirt back down to cover the fact that I’m not wearing a bra, his lips are on mine. But, he’s not kissing me with a hungry need. It’s a soft, sweet brush of his lips against mine. One hundred percent amazing and zero percent of what I’m craving.
“Soon,” he promises against my lips before scooping me up in his arms and carrying me, kicking and screaming, from the room.
I fall limp in Briar’s arms when a couple of chuckles sound around the room.
“Always know how to make an entrance,” Zoe says with a smile so big in her voice I don’t even have to look at her to know it’s there.
Briar moves to place me on my feet, and I’m reluctant to release him, knowing no matter how upset my brothers are, they won’t physically
hurt me to get to him. My eyes dart around the room, focusing on the front wall, specifically the area directly below the beam that runs the length of the room. Lynch’s backpack is nowhere to be found, but I wouldn’t put it past my brother to be keeping it hidden for some big reveal later.
My skin grows cold, itching under my clothes, but when my eyes find Zoe’s, I have a sense that everything will be okay. Her loving eyes watch me as Briar wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me against his side.
For the first time in all my years of loving this man, I’m able to stand tall in front of every member in this room. I don’t have to school my face or look around to see if anyone has caught on to my feelings. I don’t have to be concerned that Briar’s safety is on the line when I look up into his blue eyes before leaning my head against his sturdy chest.
“Glad you could make it,” TJ says with humor in his voice as I cringe away from him when he walks up and presses a kiss to my temple.
I keep my eyes focused on a spot on the floor, still not ready to thank him for what he’s done. I don’t know that I’ll ever get to that point, knowing they’ve damaged my opinion of them with what happened last week.
“I need to put some shit to rest.”
My head snaps up. Lynch is standing in front of the room, looking so much like my father, if only in stature, my knees begin to shake. Briar pulls me tighter to his side, and I don’t know if the action is for my protection or if he’s trying to reassure me that things will be fine.
“I’ve heard chatter.” Lynch narrows his eyes on Mac, one of the newer prospects to step foot in the clubhouse, before sweeping his gaze over everyone in the crowd. “That I was soft on Briar after he went against my direct order about Molly.”
Anticipation swarms through the crowd. They get a little restless wondering what he’s going to say next, but no one speaks or leans to their neighbor to discuss predictions. They all know better.
“I’ve heard that he should’ve died for his betrayal.”
Lynch doesn’t focus on anyone in particular, which is smart. If he singles anyone out, he might as well sign their death certificate because no one in the club would have their back, but it doesn’t keep me from wondering who would want Briar dead.
“I was going to kill him.”
You could hear a pin drop, or rather the splash of my tears as they begin to fall on the worn concrete floor at my feet.
“He’s alive today because he took that choice out of my hands. Briar made the decision to die himself. His loyalty, his dedication to my sister is so strong, he was willing to die to protect her from a moment’s pain.”
My entire body is trembling now. I’m confused, scared, and more in love than I’ve ever been before.
“That being said, I urge any man willing to off themselves right now for her to step forward.” My oldest brother pulls his gun from the back of his jeans and holds it down by his side.
“I would die to protect her.” Ronan steps forward, sureness in his voice.
“I’m not asking you to take a bullet for her.” Lynch swallows thickly, and I’m sure he’s overcome with emotion that another man in the club is willing to lay it all on the line to protect me. “I’m not saying jump in front of a bullet to protect her. Are you willing to put this gun to your head and pull the trigger to save her from emotional harm?”
Ronan’s eyes find mine before jolting back to my brother. Wordlessly, he takes a step back, relief washing over his face when Lynch asks again and no one else steps forward.
“Briar was willing to do that,” Lynch tells everyone in the room. “I’m not going into detail with what happened down there last week because it’s none of your fucking business, but know that Briar is alive because of his willingness to die.”
Several people murmur their approval.
“But you two better keep all your personal shit, personal.”
Briar chuckles when Lynch’s eyes narrow on him. I don’t feel the joy he’s feeling right now. This entire day has left me more confused, with a million more questions than before.
“To Briar and Molly.” TJ holds a beer in the air. “May all of us find someone that loves us enough to step off the crate.”
“Shhh,” Briar pleads against my lips, and I don’t even realize I’ve been crying until I look up to find us in the very hall I tried to seduce him in so many weeks ago.
“Y-you did what?”
“Doesn’t matter.” He holds me to his chest as he tries to soothe my tears. “All that matters is that I love you, and I’m willing to do anything to protect you.”
“It’s really over? They aren’t going to hurt you again?” He’s been telling me as much the last week, but I haven’t let myself believe it. Lynch has never been a forgiving person. It’s one of the character flaws he inherited from our father.
“It’s over,” he assures me. “Now let's go back out there and have a drink.”
Reluctantly, I let him clasp my hand in his and lead us back out to the living room. Everything is exactly as it was before this whole thing exploded. Girls are drinking and walking around trying to entice the men into calling it an early night. The guys are laughing and joking with other members.
Before long, I let the normality of the evening settle over me, and I enjoy sitting beside Briar, holding one hand while his other arm is wrapped around my shoulder. Not once does Lynch or TJ snarl when they look in our direction.
Chapter 38
Briar
“Wake up, sleepy head.”
I brush my lips across Molly’s cheek, down her throat, and taking the opportunity that sleeping naked allows, I suck one nipple into my mouth. Having the ability to do this the last month without worrying about dying has been some kind of dream.
“Mmm,” she groans, rolling over and giving me better access. “What a way to wake up.”
“Don’t do that,” I warn when her arms go over her head in a practiced stretch. Her legs fall open, revealing the sweetest pink pussy I’ve ever had the pleasure of putting my mouth on. “What did I tell you about taking your panties off after I’ve fallen asleep?”
“Not to,” she taunts as her hand skates down her flat stomach. “But I get so hot.”
“Stop.” I bite the back of her hand before it hits her intended spot. “You’ve definitely got the sex kitten act down.”
Reluctantly pulling my eyes from the sweet heaven between her legs, I look up to find her grinning at me.
“Well,” she purrs, widening her legs even further. “If you’d just fuck me and get it over with, I wouldn’t have to be so devious.”
“And what did I tell you?” She frowns. “We’re going to date first.”
“I’ve sucked your cock.” Her arms give up on the downstairs action, and she crosses them over her chest.
“And I’ve explored every sexy inch of your body, but I meant it when I said I’m going to date you. Do you like your gift?”
Her fingers reach up and toy with the silver raven hanging at her throat.
“I already had a raven,” she teases, and my eyes immediately go to the dark bird surrounded by vibrant colors tattooed on her lower belly.
“You needed a new one.” After finding her in the living room two days ago with her yoga pants pulled down showing half the damn club that she prefers to wax instead of shave, I nearly lost my shit.
“What did Lynch threaten you with this time?”
Her eyes narrow, and my lips twitch, threatening to smile. I’m amazed by her ability to read between the lines of every situation, and in love with her even more for that fact that she doesn’t have a problem calling anyone out on their shit.
“He told me if I couldn’t keep you under control, he’d find someone who could.”
“Yet he spread Zoe out like a five-dollar Vegas buffet last week and let every man in the clubhouse get a taste of her.”
“Not every man,” I counter. “And you can’t kink-shame anyone, sweetheart, especially if you don’t want anyon
e to shame you for yours.”
Crimson tints her cheeks as her eyes dart to the closed bedroom door before finding mine again. “Tell me you didn’t tell anyone.”
“That you’ve discovered the joys of ass play?” I grin wide. “I haven’t told a soul.”
“Don’t look at me like that.” She reaches for a pillow, but I stop her before she can hit me in the face with it. “I never imagined it would feel so good.”
“Enough.” Releasing her, I jump up off the bed and back away. “We have things to do today, and you need to get dressed.”
“I don’t need clothes for the things I have in mind.” Her back arches, legs open impossibly wide, and the wicked grin on her face is almost enough to get me to strip down and join her.
“We have self-defense class starting in ten minutes.”
“Perfect.” I watch her mouth as her tongue snakes out and licks her lips. “Just means we even have time to cuddle.”
Narrowing my eyes, I glare at her with fabricated irritation. “If you make one more joke about how fast I come.”
She only grins at the warning in my voice.
“Not complaining about my mouth skills then?”
“Not even thinking about your mouth skills.” I clear my throat and turn around, quickly adjusting the growing erection in my sweats. The girl never even needed to practice with those fucking cherry stems all those weeks ago. Now that she has, she makes it her goal to suck me off harder and faster. I caught her setting a timer once. She would’ve gotten away with it if she didn’t yell “Beat my record!” after I came down her throat.
I punished her in return, only I took my sweet ass time when I got my mouth on her, left her begging and panting, swearing that she’ll never do it again if I just let her come. I trusted her once, but she pulled the same shit the very next time she wrapped her lips around me. I tried to get her back, but it backfired when instead of freaking her out, she enjoyed the finger I shoved in her ass while going down on her. Hell, that was payback, too. I came that night without her even touching me.
“Sweats and a loose t-shirt,” I instruct before walking out of the room.